"This looks wonderful on you - both stylish and comfortable - a great combination. Would it be hard to do this without a serger?"

No it would not be hard to sew without a serger. Since knits don't ravel, you wouldn't have to do a lot of finishing. It was just my preference to use the serger because it was a lot quicker.

"What is negative ease?"

Ease is the extra amount of fabric added to give a garment "style" and also so that you can move and sit. I used negative ease because this was a stretch garment and I wanted it to have a cling fit.

"What is a FBA?"

A FBA is a "Full Bust Adjustment". The full bust is measured across the fullest part of the bust. Pattern companies create patterns based on average sizes. They have come to the conclusion that the average woman has is a B cup. If you are larger than a the "norm" then you have to make an adjustment for that.

Talk about an easy outfit... it took me a whole 4 hours at the most to finish both pieces. This is what I would consider "play clothes"... easy, breezy loungewear. I would opt for something like this instead of normal sweats. I think I was the only sewer in blogland that hadn't made a twist top. This pattern was so easy, I barely had to make any alterations. I cut the top in a size 16, and graduated to size 18, 1" below the waist. No FBA was needed since the fabric that I chose is a 4-way stretch (similar to that of workout clothing) and I wanted negative ease. However, I did add 1" to the length. Also, I eliminated the facings. Like others that have made this top, I didn't see the need for facings on this type of top. You can't apply a lot of heat and they never want to behave on knit garments.

For the pants, I cut the size 18 and added 4" to the length. I did 90% of the sewing on the serger. I love the style of the twist top... I see more of these in my future! Also, this top has a back seam, which I felt added to the fit. I highly recommend this pattern for anyone who has never worked with knits before and also to anyone who would like to add quick and easy pieces to their wardrobe.

I like this chunky cardigan by Twinkle and not to mention that this will be a very easy knit -- done on US size 15 and 17 needles!

I would absolutely DIE if I were at a Red Carpet event thinking I am looking fly and someone showed up wearing my dress! Another reason for "custom clothes"!

... don't pass out, you might want to sit for this -- I've been KNITTING! I know, shocker right?? I've been determined for months to finish Flair. I've put it down and picked it up and put it down and picked it up! LOL It had been such a long time, that I'd forgotten where I was in the pattern so I frogged it and started fresh. I'm feeling really committed to it this time and I should be done in a few days.

This has to be the best issue Sew Stylish has ever published... EVER! The Fall issue focuses on taking Simplicity 3631 and creating 11 outfits! And they created some pretty jazzy ones... I am impressed!

The details that they give on how to reconstruct these patterns to create these fabulous garments are impeccable.

Chaiken - Fall 2007

For a streamlined look, pair these with opaque tights of the same color and wear them with dresses and skirts.

Sylvia of I Like Her Style!, was nice enough to inform me that I'm a finalist because I did not know! LOL Thanks Monnie for nominating me. My category is "Best Niche Blog". If you like, you can CLICK HERE TO VOTE. Thanks!

You just can't go wrong with a jersey dress. This cute little number will take you into Spring.

I love the front of this dress! Another one that will take you from Fall to Spring and then you can use the sleeveless version for the Summer.

I love this one too! It's long length screams that it wants to be grey and worn with long boots!

You'll be definitely seeing this little jacket sewn up here! I plan to do the double-breast version and use the sleeves from the white one.

This is an easy piece that's great for layering.

These are made to be sewn using knits and the pants and tops are great alternatives to fugly, funky sweats (can you tell I'm not a fan).

The start of school means that Homecoming is readily approaching. I have until September 25th, to find and construct Amber a dress. She's a 15 year old sophomore. I want her to look beautiful, but not too "grown" (know what I mean). No plunging necklines! No low cut backs! No minis! No slits up to "there"! After seeing how some of those young girls go to homecoming and prom, I have to wonder what kind of crack their parents smoke?! They look more like they're going to a party at Hef's mansion than to a school-related event. I've been searching and I have ALMOST narrowed down my choices.

Jill Scott's - "The Real Thing" drops September 25th and I can't wait!

Today was the first day of school (can you hear the angels singing "Hallelujah")! This was crazy to me because it's like the hottest day of the year -- a very unpleasant record high of 103 degrees! Way back in the dark ages, we started school after Labor Day. Mikaela told me they were only allowed 5 minutes of outdoor recess, the rest of the time was spent in the gym. Now, I have to buy school supplies for the high schoolers... we always have to wait until they get their course syllabi to find out exactly what they will need. I've been so busy this week that there was absolutely no time for sewing... I know -- SACRILEGE! But even though I'm not physically doing it, the mind is always working. I'm in the planning stage of my transitional pieces and Fall wardrobe. You'll be the first to know once my plans are complete.

Project Details

Pattern: Simplicity 3799 (modified)
Fabric: rayon/lycra jersey from Gorgeous Things
Lining: polyester interlock

Sandy Lomax (wire image)

Diane von Furstenberg (Nordstrom) and I.N.C. (Macy's)

I cut this dress out in a size medium and gradually came out to a large through the hip. I shortened it by 4 1/2" so that I could add the hem band. I drafted the hem band and made it around 4 1/2" wide and added it to the bottom of the dress. I also lined the dress with a white polyester interlock because the fabric is very clingy. Plus, since this dress has a "racer-back" style, I didn't want to bother with trying to find an appropriate slip.

I'm asking for all of you PR members that read my blog and liked my collection to vote for me in the Wardrobe Contest. Voting is open from August 3rd through the 9th and only to Pattern Review.com members but I thank ALL of you for your well wishes!